OXFORD TRIATHLON CLUB - OPEN WATER SWIMMINGSafety Brief-2017

  • Remind swimmers that they are primarily responsible for their own safety.
  • Explain to the swimmers any relevant conditions on the day such as water temperature, weather conditions or surface visibility.
  • Explain to the swimmersany potential hazards, such as other users of the Lake.
  • Explain the procedure for getting in and out of the water:

-Swap membership card for wrist-band, supervised by the second Swim Safety Officer. Take as many whistles as possible.

-Enter using the handrail or dive in from the pontoon. Due to stability issues, only 4 people are allowed on the pontoon at a time.

-Exit using the handrail. Be aware that, having been horizontal in cold water for a while, standing up one might cause some dizziness.

-Swap wrist-band for membership card.

-Tell the Swim Safety Officer of any problems.

  • Explain the swim route.

-There is fixed loop for the swim course.

=Swimming anticlockwise.

=Swim from the pontoon to within 10m of the bank. Swim up the side to the 3rd Willow tree. Turn towards the middle of the lake and aim for the large pink buoy.

=Swim around the buoy and head straight back towards the pontoon.

=It's approximately 400-450m. each loop.

-Emphasise the importance of sighting frequently while swimming and to look regularly at the entrance/exit area.

  • Explain the distress procedure:

-If any problems arise, the first action is to attract the attention of the Swim Safety Officer who will blow the hooter and wave the emergency flag to attract the attention of all swimmers.

-If you are having problems, turn on your back and wave your arm. Blow a whistle if you have one.

-If you come across someone in distress, help them within your capability and as long as it does not endanger you. If they need more help than you can give, turn on your back and wave your arm. Blow a whistle if you have one.

-If you hear the hooter, stop and look around. If someone in distress and needs your help, help them within your capability and as long as it does not endanger you. If not, swim immediately back towards the Swim Safety Officer and exit the water. Group up with other swimmers and keep an eye on each other. The reason for this is to reduce the likelihood of a second problem arising while the Swim Safety Officer is dealing with the first one. It is not necessarily the end of the session.

  • Ask if anyone has any injuries or other problems likely to affect their swimming.
  • Ask if there are any novice open-water swimmers. Ask them to stay behind after the brief and arrange for them to be buddied until they are comfortable in the water.
  • Ask if there are any swimmers who have not taken part in an open water swim with Oxford Tri before. Ask them to stay behind after the brief and double-check that they understand the route and emergency instructions.
  • Ask if there are any questions.